23rd – Alice Kelly Tournament
23rd Alice Kelly Tournament – Pirates Cove Marina is this weekend!!
Leading up to the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament the ladies get their turn to reel in the Big One! The Alice Kelly Tournament is an annual event the Sunday before the Billfish Tournament.
The 23rd Annual Alice Kelly Tournament, held August 12th with registration on August 11th, is a fundraiser event for the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group.
With an entry fee of only $500.00 per boat it is a great way to help out your community and have a great time on the water.
This is the place to be when the boats come in. Make sure you are on the dock by 1600 hours for the “best seat in the house”
The “first mate” is fishing again on the Marlin Gull.
Hopefully, I will have some great news and good pictures. Check back soon.
Until next time, Tightlines
Reel Fish Story – Don’t Be Caught
This past weekend I found that I needed several gardening items to complete my “honey-do” list. So I headed out to my neighborhood big box store. I am always reluctant to shop on a busy summer weekend but I knew this time I could be in and out quickly. My path this day took me passed the fishing section. As usual, I am always looking for something to add to my fishing arsenal. So a delay toward my mission was no big deal.
I found the fishing section quite empty. But I did see one customer slowing glancing at each rack. He was trying to figure which lure or hook or bait would help him catch fish during his vacation. About this time, a sales clerk appeared and apparently was there to rescue him from his dilemma.
I was trying not to eaves drop, but I overheard the sales clerk begin to educate this new angler on the finer points of saltwater fishing. Just maybe I could learn something.
My fascination to this professional guidance quickly turned to frustration. The advice he was supplying was convincing alright. This poor visitor was getting the standard sales pitch. Buy this and give it a try and if you fail, just come back and buy more. The recommendations included where to go (or not go), what to use, even cleaning and cooking his catch. By now, his basket was full. Now remember, we live near a saltwater ocean, but one of the items was a fishing DVD in freshwater. Now the real strange thing about this advice, it was all wrong. This clerk was selling this guy a bill of goods.
I was tempted to intervene but the clerk was so intense with his pitch, I am not sure I could change this visitor mind.
I am never one to discourage someone trying to get a bargain on fishing gear. And I definitely not trying influence our visitors or novice anglers to avoid the larger retail establishments to buy fishing gear. But my recommendation when fishing in a strange area or new to a hobby, see a professional for help. These guys can be found in your local tackle shops. They have tremendous amount of knowledge. And the best part, it’s all free.
So the next time you have a question about fishing here on the Outer Banks, email me or see someone in one of a dozen tackle shops.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Are We There Yet?
If you ever had to tow a boat, you probably have asked that question a hundred times. I know that I have.
My “Fantasea” mother ship needed a mid-season engine tune-up, so I pulled her out of the water and hooked it up for the trip to the shop.
The trip to the shop was easy because I picked a Sunday evening to travel. In a resort town, a Sunday is usually the quietest day of the week. It was a great trip down to the boat yard.
But the trip back was more eventful. My work schedules on most days do not permit me to get off early. But this past Wednesday I was able to make it work out.
Wednesday’s in a resort town just happened to be the busiest, only second to weekends. It seems that by Wednesday our visitors realize that their week is almost over and they need to fill those days with activities planned for a full week.
So here I am, traveling back from the shop, boat in tow, on the busiest vacation day of the week. Most vacationers are unfamiliar with my beach. And they typically ride in the middle of a four lane road, sightseeing or searching for the famous spot they read about long before their visit here.
And as most drivers do when they find that restaurant or gadget store – swerve to the right or left almost instantly so they don’t miss their turn.
Now here is where I say those famous words: “Are we there yet”. Drivers don’t realize that it takes a longer distance to stop a vehicle with a boat or trailer in tow, especially when we are traveling at a higher speed. And inevitably an out-of-towner will find that small space between two cars ahead, just when someone needs to turn or stop. Then bingo – I get a chance to test both the truck and trailer brakes.
Patience and courtesy for your fellow drivers run very thin at these points. But I am an extremely caucus driver and although my trip was very testy, the Fantasea made it home safe and sound.
So next time you see a boat in tow, remember to give them space.
Until next time, Tightlines
Location Location Location
These words are typically used in real estate but we could just as well fit them into fishing.
Fishing is all about locations. Yes, some will argue also, that time, equipment and experience are very important. But for me finding that remote place, where there are no signs of earlier anglers, no prop marks or evidence of fishing stress, an area just waiting for you to explore is absolutely a dream.
I have notice that many anglers do little research on places to fish. They just pack up the kids and gear and try to find the easiest spot to wet a line. They follow the leader – call the pier house or tackle shop. They feel that if there are a lot of anglers on bridge/pier/surf fishing then there must be plenty of fish. And then they must be there too to be part of the action. And we have plenty of those types of anglers here in the Outer Banks. Tried and true is no better goal for that occasional trip.
But there are many places that have not been abused or stripped by anglers here and elsewhere. And you know, they can be right before our eyes. We can be blinded by the obvious. To find them, all we have to do is look at it a little differently.
For years, I have traveled about the Albemarle and Currituck Sounds by boat going to one of my many “old stand-by” fishing holes. During these trips, I never stopped to think that I might be passing dozens of grass flats or pot holes or small depressions that hold fish and possibly that once in a life time trophy.
Today I spent the morning with a local fishing captain on his boat. It was a trip that I had won at one of the OBX Anglers club meetings. I can place this trip up there with the most memorable.
We traveled for about 5 hours in the Albemarle Sound exploring those places that I usually “fly-by” going to someplace else. Well, this time when we stopped, we found these areas producing dozens of beautiful speckled trout. It did not matter which artificial we used – all caught fish.
We kept four slot size fish – one for each angler and left the rest to be caught for another day.
So the next time you feel the urge to try something new. Don’t overlook the obvious. You might be amazed because that special place might be right in front of you.
So until next time, Tightlines
Been Fishing Lately?
Well I have and it’s been a banner year. I have fished many places but the best was on Jennette’s Fishing Pier.
Seems it doesn’t matter what time of day or bait type, you will be catching fish. Pier fishing is at its best in July.
This time of year, I focus on two primary methods of fishing – top water jigging and standard bottom rig. I always take two rods on any fishing trip, one is a medium spinning rod and the other a light tackle set.
I use the light rod for the top water rigs such as “gotchas” or small lead heads with chartreuse twister tails. Sometimes a double white buck tail will catch a nice trout or single bluefish. The best (worst kept secret) bait has been the Berkley white grubs. This bait is a little on the expensive side but worth their weight. Next trip to the tackle shop, you need to pick some up. One important tip – makes sure the leader materials are a little heavier and if possible, only use fluorocarbon line. Fifteen to twenty pound test is fine. When using this type of line, it becomes nearly invisible under the water. And this prevents spooking the fish.
On my medium rod set, I use the standard two hook bottom rig. Remember; always try to use a new bottom rig on each trip because even though the older one looks fine, rust can wreak havoc on the metal. You will need “top of the line gear” when fighting that big fish. The worst things that can happen are to lose that fish in the water or just as you are bringing it over the rail.
I try to use all circle hooks. I like #2 or #4 for the best all-around success. Finally, weight – look at the current and select the best one to just hold the bottom. Too large a weight will cause you to miss those bites. Pyramid types are best.
Bait choices for bottom rigs are fresh shrimp or blood worms. I try to buy only shrimp for eating. It seems this type, verses the tackle shop version, gets more bites. It might be that store bought is fresher. Go with the fresher store bought shrimp if possible. And peel it. My best days are with peeled shrimp as bait.
Any trip to the pier must include back up gear. You are going to lose rigs, hooks and weights. Make you bring plenty of extras. A good hat and sunscreen are a must to keep skin damage to a minimum. At least one rag to wipe sweat or dirt off your hands. Also, great for holding that fish. You will find this to be the most valuable tool.
Finally, water and snacks keep you satisfied when you get those hunger pains. Hydration is the name of the game and results in a more pleasant trip. Someone told me that alcohol and fishing go together – but not in hot weather.
Tip of the day – you need to go early. Fish typically are more active early morning and early evening. Check with the pier manager or tackle shops for best times, baits and methods.
Second tip of the day – when fishing the Jeannette’s Pier, watch out for the sunken piles from the old pier. They were left in place for some unknown reason. You can find them on the north side between the second and third turbine. See the picture at the top of this blog. Another way to locate – no one will be fishing at that spot. Don’t get fooled.
Good luck and let me know how you did.
A final note on conservation – only keep what you can use and release the rest. Fish are too valuable to catch only once.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Your Link to the Outer Banks
I recently updated my web page to incorporate many Outer Banks links. These links will direct you to the many fishing, boating and recreational resources. These sites are a great place to start for both locals and visitors. They can give us “what’s happening” when we want to enjoy the waters surrounding our banks.
Several links will direct you to fishing information such as local piers, weather, Sun and moon data and high and low tides in many of our sounds and ocean as well as obtaining the mandatory saltwater fishing license. I also included links to fishing and conservation clubs.
Others to marine and boating. These links provide guidance to marinas and repair services as well as many others to help your day on the water enjoyable.
The remaining links should provide information on handling emergencies, researching media and obtaining other local news, recreation and travel and ferry schedules.
My favorites are the beach web cams. These cameras are positioned on many areas so you can enjoy the surf conditions even though you may be hundreds of miles from our coast.
Keep checking back for additional links and great fishing and boating information.
Until next time, Tightlines
Have a Safe July 4th Holiday
Have a safe fourth of July Holiday. Remember – leave the fire works to the professionals. You need all fingers and eyes to reel that trophy fish.
Until next time, Tightlines
Skin Cancer Risks Start Young
The summer season is in full throttle on the Outer Banks. Anglers are catching the standard summer fare – spot, croaker, sea mullet, blues, trout, Spanish, cobia, and some pompano. Whether you are in the surf, the various piers or many bridges, there is very little chance that you will be unsuccessful.
One catch you want to definitely avoid is skin damage for the sun. In past blogs, I steered you to an outstanding site that will give you everything you need to select the best sun screens.
One of the topics on this site is “skin cancer risks start young”. I know when my two boys were young we lathered them with sun screen every hour. Our requirement was that every snack or drink break, was a sun screen application. My hope was that this regimen helped them learn a valuable lesson.
So when you are outside whether fishing or just enjoying the beautiful Outer Banks recreation, remember to “lather on” the sun screen. My boys thanked me and so will yours.
Here is the link to the best sun screens on the market. Hopefully the one you use is near the top of the lists.
EWG Skin’s Deep – Http://www.breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/
Until next time, Tightlines.
Old Man and the Sea
An angler named Ernest Hemingway once said: “In hunting you know what you are after, then he added but who can say what you will hook when you fish the saltwater. Because the ocean holds fish of size no one may ever see”.
The picture at the right is Ernest Hemingway and Henry (“Mike”) Strater with the remaining 500 lbs of an estimated 1000 lb marlin that was half-eaten by sharks before it could be landed in the Bahamas in 1935.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 